Flakes of snow wind-dance
“Clean Getaway” by Nic Stone, illustrations by Dawud Anyabwile, is the latest in a trend I’m seeing of middle-grade stories featuring the grandparental relationship. It’s a trend I applaud and appreciate.
Arrowhead
“Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix” (Feiwel and Friends 2022) by Anna-Marie McLemore is part of a series of classic remixes. Reading a “remix” helps you remember and compare it to the original.
I’m beginning 2023 by featuring two new picture books from University of Illinois graduate Meg Fleming.
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Frozen fog hovers
I have heard a lot of people have a negative opinion of graphic novels lately — looking at them more disapprovingly than “traditional” chapter books.
“The Earl and the Pharaoh: From the real Downton Abbey to the Discovery of Tutankhamun,” by Fiona, Countess of Carnarvon.
These cold winter months are always a good time to put on some comfy clothes, grab your favorite blanket, have a hot beverage next to you and read.
New Year’s Day
What would happen if one day you went to flush the toilet, take a quick shower or get a glass of water, and nothing happened? What if no water came out?
Big gusts blow me back
Jessica Kim’s novel “Stand Up, Yumi Chung!”, is a masterpiece of pacing, emotional story arc and all the things aspiring fiction writers notice.
A gunshot rings out in Jackson, Miss., ending one man’s life and forcing two sisters on the run to save theirs in Wanda M. Morris’ riveting thriller “Anywhere You Run.” This 1960s-set historical fiction novel pits two courageous Black sisters against the racism of the Jim Crow South and is a…
Black tittles of crow
After the death of her mother last Christmas, U of I police officer Valerie Marcotte resolved to ease other families' grief journeys through a children’s book about her experience.
Outspoken Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, an American woman born in 1832, was a Civil War surgeon and Union spy, an advocate of women’s dress reform and a suffragist. Although she was a contemporary of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, Walker saw things differently than they did.
Lights and colors smile
The Best Books of 2022 lists have come out, and I’m honored to say that my book, “Bathe the Cat,” is on several lists, along with many picture books reviewed in this column, including “Powwow Day” and “Nigel and the Moon.” Here are two lovely multicultural picture books on the Chicago Public…
Families gather
“The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen” (Philomel 2022) by Isaac Blum is a witty and searing story, longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.
“Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us,” by Lauren Castillo, is a book that has the feel of a classic.
Quick sign of the cross
“Under the Whispering Door,” by TJ Klune, is full of love, life and ghost grandpas with an attitude.
Talking to themselves
The Sullivan family lost someone dear to them five years ago; since then, the family has not celebrated Christmas.
Coyotes lurking
Angela Dominguez has created a series (published by Roaring Brook Press) featuring a main character we can all relate to.
Here are two new uplifting picture books, each set in different cultures, which tell the stories of young girls overcoming difficult situations.
Cold wind
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